'Small actions' will help keep water stocks healthy

Water bosses have thanked people for their efforts to conserve water during the hot weather.

The Channel Islands broke its temperature record for the hottest May day for the third day in a row on Tuesday with 34.2C (93.56F) in Jersey and Guernsey 31.5C (88.7F).

Guernsey Water said use increased over the bank holiday weekend but not to the same levels seen last year.

Jersey Water said reservoir levels were currently in a "healthy position" at 96% full and it had no "imminent concerns" about water shortages, encouraging people to keep showers to under five minutes and turning off the tap when brushing your teeth.

Guernsey Water said on Monday 15.2m litres (3.34m gallons) of water were supplied, the first time daily demand has exceeded 15m litres since July 2025.

However this was below last year's peak of 15.4m litre (3.38m gallons).

The water company said in total, water use across the three days was approximately three million litres higher than average which was "a modest increase given the exceptional weather".

Guernsey Water said the figures demonstrated islanders were continuing to respond positively to messaging around water efficiency.

Jon Holt, Guernsey Water operations manager, said: "It shows people are thinking about their water use and making small changes that collectively make a big difference.

"Every drop counts and the actions people have taken over the past few days really show how much of an impact those small decisions can have."

Guernsey Water said with further warm weather expected it encouraged people to continue to take steps to reduce unnecessary water waste.

Jersey Water said the island had approximately 120 days of water available when reservoirs were full.

"This means that responsible water use is essential to help maintain supplies and avoid the need for restrictions later in year, such as hosepipe bans," it said.

The water company added with high temperatures it was monitoring both water reserves and demand.

It said over the weekend, islanders used around 21m litres (4.619m gallons) of water per day, which was approximately three million litres more than the typical daily average for May.

It said it expected demand to exceed 23m litres (5.05m gallons) in peak summer.

It added: "We continue to encourage everyone to be mindful of their water use, particularly during warmer periods.

"Small actions taken by households and businesses can make a significant difference in protecting the Island's water supply over the months ahead."

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